Outside the mansion, in the courtyard.
After finishing her conversation with Wilhelm, Shendu went into the garden and began tending to the flowers, passing the time in boredom.
Half an hour slipped by in the blink of an eye.
During that time, Wilhelm did not catch sight of Felt, nor did he know whether Shendu had hidden that royal candidate somewhere.
"What a peculiar place. What exactly is that woman trying to do?"
After realizing he could not see through Shendu, Wilhelm stopped dwelling on it and instead turned his thoughts elsewhere.
Recently, an organization known as the Divine Dragon Merchant Guild had risen within the royal capital. In just a few days, it had seized nearly half of the city's business. Several nobles had secretly allied themselves with the guild.
Even among the Council of Wise Men, a portion of the elders had been won over by the Divine Dragon Merchant Guild, becoming its staunch supporters.
What was most puzzling was that the guild's president never showed himself. All daily arrangements were handed over to an elderly giant warrior to manage.
Everything felt like a thick fog, leaving Wilhelm deeply unsettled. It was as if an invisible hand were secretly manipulating everything from behind the scenes.
"That will be all then, Lady Emilia. I look forward to meeting you during the Royal Selection. Meow."
After concluding the discussion, Felix gave a deep bow, looking at Emilia with impeccable courtesy.
"I'm looking forward to it as well. Until then, Sir Felix."
Emilia waved lightly, offering the greeting befitting her status as host.
Then Felix walked over to the old man and gave him a confident smile.
"Lord Wilhelm, let's go!"
"Very well!"
Seeing Felix's expression, Wilhelm understood that his mission had been completed. He climbed onto the dragon carriage and grasped the reins.
"Until next time, Lady Emilia."
"Mm!"
Wilhelm tightened his grip on the reins and, after offering a polite farewell, gave them a firm tug. The dragon carriage began to move, slowly rolling toward the exit.
"Farewell, Lord Felix. Lord Wilhelm."
Rem and Ram stood at the entrance, fulfilling their duties as maids as they respectfully saw the two distinguished guests off.
Afterward, Emilia called Shendu into the living room, preparing to discuss what she had just learned.
Inside the dragon carriage, Felix sat upright in his seat, nibbling on small pastries, looking exceedingly cute.
"How did the discussion go?" Wilhelm asked while holding the reins.
"Naturally, the task was completed smoothly. I wonder if Lady Crusch will reward me when we return?"
Felix replied with a cheerful smile, his eyes brimming with confidence. As Crusch's chief steward and envoy, his diplomatic abilities were first-rate.
"By the way, Lord Wilhelm, do you have any idea about that woman's background?" Felix could not help asking. That silver-haired, red-eyed woman had seemed rather strange, as though she were hiding some secret.
"No. Her origins are extremely mysterious. It's as if she appeared out of nowhere."
Wilhelm shook his head. All he could sense was that the woman was powerful—and shrouded in secrecy.
There was no record of her entering the country. It was highly likely that Shendu had slipped into the kingdom in secret, carrying out unknown activities.
"As long as she poses no threat to Lady Crusch's bid for the throne, that's enough. Lady Crusch is the most suitable person to become queen."
Felix said dreamily.
Wilhelm fell silent, narrowing his eyes, lost in thought.
...
Meanwhile, after Shendu entered the living room, Emilia pondered for a moment before deciding to share the matter with the person she trusted most—Sister Shendu.
The twin maids stood beside Shendu, listening in as well.
"Sister Shendu, the royal candidates will soon be gathered. When that time comes, I will also go to the royal capital."
After a brief hesitation, Emilia met Shendu's eyes and spoke.
"It should only be a matter of days, correct?" Shendu asked, immediately understanding Emilia's meaning.
"Yes. The envoy's visit wasn't a provocation, nor was it an attempt to form an alliance. It was merely a courtesy call."
Emilia spoke earnestly. Even so, she had sensed a degree of probing and subtle testing in their exchange.
"Just thinking about the upcoming Royal Selection makes me feel a little uneasy."
Emilia still felt worried. She bore the same appearance as the legendary Witch of Envy and was despised by nearly everyone in the kingdom.
Up to now, aside from Roswaal—whose motives were far from pure—she had not even a single proper knight. She stood entirely alone.
"What's wrong? Do you want my help?"
Shendu teased gently, reaching out to stroke the half-elf girl's hair with a smile.
The moment her words fell, Emilia took a deep breath. In a slightly trembling voice, she spoke softly.
"Sister Shendu, if I encounter difficulties during the Royal Selection... would you be willing to help me overcome them?"
"Or rather... would you become the knight who protects me?"
A faint blush spread across Emilia's cheeks. Remembering Puck's advice, she finally decided to try inviting the silver-haired girl's assistance.
They shared the same silver hair. Shendu was also a traveler. If she were willing to help, Emilia's chances of becoming queen would increase by at least a little.
"Of course."
Shendu reached out and gently patted Emilia's head like an older sister.
"Once I've taken care of my affairs in the royal capital, I'll come find you personally."
"I'm willing to become the knight who protects you—under the identity of a traveler."
A trace of fondness flickered in Shendu's crimson eyes. For such a kind and adorable girl, she did not mind pushing her toward the throne.
As for the obstacles along the way, Shendu would personally clear them.
At present, much of her groundwork had already been laid. As long as she settled matters on Reinhard's side, most of her troubles would be resolved.
[Ding~ Emilia's favorability increased by 3. Current favorability: 100.]
Sure enough, Emilia trusted Shendu deeply. The moment those words were spoken, she was so moved she nearly burst into tears, her face growing redder and redder.
"Sister Shendu, thank you. I'm feeling a little unwell... I'll excuse myself first."
Emilia stood up, glanced at her once more, then turned and left.
"Heh... what a pure and adorable girl. It seems the layout in the royal capital must accelerate as well."
Shendu narrowed her eyes, making the necessary preparations.
Participating in the Royal Selection would be another opportunity to make her name known. She did not mind going there and causing a proper stir.
After all, many advantageous conditions had already been arranged in secret.
All that remained was to quietly await the day the Royal Selection began.